You are receiving this pop-up because this is the first time you are visiting our site. If you keep getting this message, please enable cookies in your browser.
You are using software which is blocking our advertisements (adblocker).
As we provide the news for free, we are relying on revenues from our banners. So please disable your adblocker and reload the page to continue using this site. Thanks!
You are receiving this pop-up because this is the first time you are visiting our site. If you keep getting this message, please enable cookies in your browser.
lighted cultivation
Dutch growers start year-round production eggplants
Dutch grower Purple Pride now offers high-quality eggplants in the winter season. The cultivation site in Dinteloord has for this purpose reserved 7,000 m2 of space for lighted cultivation. It is expected that more than 100,000 kg of eggplants will be harvested here during this winter season. Until recently, only Spanish eggplants were available in winter in the Netherlands.
Extensive research
After 3 years of extensive testing, the time has come to officially market the eggplants from lighted cultivation. Purple Pride did not want to take any risk.
Grower Peter de Jong: "We noticed that among our customers there was an increasing demand for eggplants from Purple Pride outside the regular season. There is a need for a local product. The Spanish alternative is not always reliable regarding delivery availability and quality".
Sustainable
The Dutch eggplant acreage has decreased last year and this was good for prices. With a goal of 20 million kg aubergines per year, divided over five farms, Purple Pride is the largest producer of aubergines in North Western Europe. Thanks to an expansion of 2,8 hectare, the total acreage of Purple Pride amounts to 40 hectares this year.
The sales and marketing of Purple Pride aubergines is done via DOOR Partners BV, the sales division of Cooperation DOOR U.A. All brands of DOOR Partners BV aim to deliver year round, director Jan Opschoor explained earlier this year.
Normal eggplant season
The eggplant season in the Netherlands normally runs from the end of February to mid-November. To bridge the gap in production, Spanish product is imported. De Jong: "We are convinced that in addition to the volume from Spain, there absolutely is room for a distinctive product. In addition to quality, sustainable production is of great importance to our customers. For example, we limit water consumption to the necessary minimum. In addition we use biological crop protection and with great passion we cultivate high-quality eggplants in our modern greenhouses.”